Shift questions

[casualjim]

I'm moving this from the California Nursing forum, as it didnt' get any action there.

Hi

I've got a couple questions that hopefully one of you can help me with. I'm a student and an EMT. I've got a part time job now that is fairly unreliable as far as hours goes. I'm thinking about looking for part-time or per diem work as an ER tech. One it'll help me get used to how things work on the "other side of the ER door." Additionally, from what I'm hearing it's fairly steady work. Maybe even too steady, but I'm ok with that. I want to work the ER when I graduate so I see this as a way of making sure that my preconceived notions of ER nursing are close to reality.

My questions are: what's the difference between part time and PT II? Also what is the real difference between part time and per diem work? With per diem work is there a minimum of shifts per week you need to work, and typically what is that number.

I'd really appreciate any insights you could give me on this stuff. Thanks in advance

aloha

Jim

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

part time means less than 30 hours per week, usually. You may or may not be eligible for benefits (like insurance). Per diem can mean different things in different areas but it usually means no benefits and you work part time, or you work when they need you which can be full time hours for a short period of time. I would check with their HR to be sure. They have "rules" for their own facility, plus the Dept. of Labor and your state laws will apply. So ask HR to be certain. That is what they are there to do! Good luck.

P.S. You didn't ask but I am telling anyway: be careful about overextending yourself in your work versus school. Right now school is your work. You cannot plan for your career advancement if you flunk out because you are fatiqued.

[casualjim]

Thanks Purple, I appreciate the response. Trust me I'm pretty hip to what I can and can't get away with as far as time. Nursing will be a second career for me as I just retired from the Navy. I'm looking at 1 or 2 shifts a week tops right now. With my retirement check from the Nav, and the wife's paycheck, I could financially probably get away with not working at all. When Clinicals get hot and heavy, that is in-fact my plan too.

again, thanks

aloha

Jim